Trump Shuts Down Voice of America, Leaving US Vulnerable to Russia and China
President Trump’s executive order effectively dissolved the US Agency for Global Media, including Voice of America (VOA), silencing a crucial counter to foreign disinformation after 83 years. This action, praised by Russian and Chinese state media, stands in contrast to the continued operation of RT and CCTV, which actively spread pro-Kremlin and pro-Beijing narratives. Meanwhile, the BBC World Service, facing initial budget cuts, received increased UK government funding to bolster its efforts against disinformation. The contrasting responses highlight the differing priorities and approaches to international broadcasting in the face of geopolitical competition.